Lot 210

Monumental Venetian Murano Hand-Blown Ice Blue Art Glass Centerpiece Compote with Applied Dolphin Handles, Barovier & Toso Style

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Lot 210
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Monumental Venetian Murano Hand-Blown Ice Blue Art Glass Centerpiece Compote with Applied Dolphin Handles, Barovier & Toso Style
Monumental Venetian Murano Hand-Blown Ice Blue Art Glass Centerpiece Compote with Applied Dolphin Handles, Barovier & Toso Style
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Monumental Venetian Murano Hand-Blown Ice Blue Art Glass Centerpiece Compote with Applied Dolphin Handles, Barovier & Toso Style

Current Bid: $5

(1 Bid)
by California Auction Company LLC
August 1, 2026 9:00 AM PDT
Live Auction
1212 E. Harding Way
Stockton, CA, US 95205

An impressive Venetian Murano hand-blown art glass centerpiece compote, masterfully executed in a luminous ice-blue glass and embellished with finely modeled applied dolphin-form handles in clear glass with delicate amber highlights. The generously proportioned bowl features an elegant optic diamond pattern that beautifully refracts light across its surface, while the raised pedestal foot echoes the same molded texture, creating a cohesive and sculptural form. Gracefully perched upon opposing sides of the rim are two individually hand-applied dolphin handles, each meticulously modeled with expressive facial features, flowing fins, and curled tails—a classic decorative motif long associated with the artistic traditions of Murano. The combination of restrained blue coloration, expertly molded optics, and sculptural applied ornament recalls the celebrated work of prestigious Murano glasshouses including Barovier & Toso, Salviati, Seguso Vetri d'Arte, and Fratelli Toso during the mid-twentieth century. These renowned Venetian firms elevated functional glass into decorative sculpture through centuries-old handcrafting techniques that continue to define Murano glassmaking today. Equally suited as a centerpiece, fruit bowl, or display object, this substantial compote embodies the elegance and technical virtuosity of Venetian art glass. The applied dolphin handles add a whimsical yet refined classical element, making the piece a striking decorative accent and an exceptional addition to any collection of Italian art glass. Its sculptural presence, impressive scale, and handcrafted details make it an outstanding example of twentieth-century Murano artistry.

  • Literature: Comparable examples are illustrated in publications documenting the production of Barovier & Toso, Salviati, Seguso Vetri d'Arte, and Fratelli Toso, particularly works featuring optic-molded bowls with sculptural applied marine motifs produced during the mid-twentieth century.
  • Circa: Mid-20th Century, circa 1950–1970.
  • Condition: Good vintage condition overall. There are several stable hairline cracks visible within the bowl extending from the rim into the body, as shown in the photographs. These appear stable and the bowl remains structurally intact. The applied dolphin handles are securely attached and display no apparent losses. Minor surface wear, light scratches, and scattered manufacturing bubbles and inclusions are consistent with age, use, and traditional hand-blown Murano production. Condition has been reflected in the auction estimate.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50